Update expected early this week on skeletal remains

Monday 22 January 2018

The bones found in a burnt out car could be identified within days, after more forensic tests were ordered.

It was confirmed on Friday that the human skeletal remains found in a burnt out car at Petit Bot were male, but their exact identity couldn't be proven at that time.

A UK Home Office pathologist had flown to the island last week to carry out a post mortem, after the remains were discovered a week previously. 

The pathologist confirmed on Friday the remains were male through DNA tests. Other samples were also successfully retrieved and they were sent to the UK then for further tests.

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Guernsey Police Chief Officer, Patrick Rice, said: "These samples were sent to the UK last night for further forensic examination, which is hoped will confirm whether or not the remains are Mikus Alps.

"We have requested these tests are expedited and we hope to receive the results early next week, at which point we will issue a further update."

A letter purporting to have been written by Mr Alps was also sent to the UK last week for handwriting and forensic tests. The result of that anaylsis is expected to take several weeks.

Pictured: Mikus Alps

A car registered to Mr Alps was discovered, burnt out, at Petit Bot, on Monday 8 January. On Friday 12th January Guernsey Police confirmed skeletal remains had been found in the vehicle. Chief Officer Rice later confirmed a shotgun was also discovered in the car.

Mr Alps has not been seen since Monday 8 January. 

Guernsey Police are continuing to investigate his whereabouts. Anyone with any information should contact CID on 725111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.